Nine arrests and thousands of pounds of drugs, cash and weapons found in Eastbourne police operation

Nine people were arrested and thousands of pounds worth of illicit drugs and cash, together with weapons, were seized during a week-long operation by Eastbourne Police.

The action followed a ‘perceived increase’ in local drugs supply and involved Eastbourne’s Prevention Enforcement team, firearms and roads policing officers and a dog unit – said police.

Sussex Police welcomed the report and said the recommendations are already being implemented

Drugs with an estimated street value of £170,000 were seized, including heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and cannabis.

A 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs was cautioned before being deported from the UK.

A 30-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of supplying heroin and crack cocaine and being in possession of a knife. He has been released under investigation.

A 28-year-old man of no fixed address, and two local women aged 39 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of offensive weapons after an axe, baseball bat and knife were found in their vehicle. All three were released under investigation.

A 30-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of possessing heroin and crack cocaine with the intent to supply and later released under investigation.

Police said a drugs warrant executed at an address in Mill Road, led to recovery of Class A and B drugs, together with an imitation firearm. A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of illegal possession and has been released under investigation.

A drugs warrant executed at an address in Cambridge Road, led to recovery of cannabis and a 19-year-old woman being cautioned for its possession, said police.

Inspector Rachel Barrow, leading the Prevention Team in Eastbourne, said, “The week of action took place in response to complaints from the public about open drug dealing and class A drug use on streets and open spaces.

“We have also seen many local drug users falling victim to exploitation because of their vulnerabilities and often complex needs.

“We want to reassure local residents that Sussex Police takes supply of illicit drugs in the community seriously and that information from the public is vital in understanding the current picture.

“This is an ongoing priority for us in Eastbourne and we hope the latest action will send a clear message to those supplying drugs that we will actively look to prosecute them. Nor does the work around this stop here. We will continue to target and disrupt dealers’ illegal activities at every opportunity.”